NATCHEZ — The newly refurbished auditorium at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center will be the setting for “My Fair Lady” May 11 and 12, the first major production of the 2007 Natchez Festival of Music.

“Everything has come together to make this the most exciting season we’ve ever had in 17 years,” said David Blackburn, founding director of the festival.

“I have always said that I try to bring the best to Natchez, and this year is no exception,” he said.

He praised the “My Fair Lady” cast and director, promising a show that would be a treat for all.

The story of “My Fair Lady” is based on George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion.” It features a young woman, Eliza Doolittle, whose cockney accent intrigues one of the world’s foremost phoneticists, Professor Henry Higgins.

Bill Fabris, a veteran stage director with the music festival, has returned to direct the musical.

The cast includes Erin Shields as Eliza; Richard Holmes as Higgins; Sam Jones as Pickering; John Tsotsoros as Freddy; James Moore as Doolittle; Diana Glaze as Mrs. Pearce; Erin Murphy as Mrs. Hill; and Linnie Mower-Garner as Mrs. Higgins.

James Moore, on a break from rehearsals Wednesday, said the Doolittle part is new for him.

“I’ve never played this role before, but it’s so fun. And I get to sing the best songs,” he said.

He referred to “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “I’m Getting Married in the Morning.”

Like many of the guest artists who come from throughout the world to perform at the festival, Moore comes from a musical family.

“Both of my parents were professional musicians,” he said. His father was assistant to Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Chorale for many years and then became chorus master for Seattle Opera.

“I grew up with music in my life. From the time I was 4, my mother would parade me in front of people. I got used to singing in front of people,” he said.

Moore has sung all over the world. “I have five children and I teach vocal music at Howard University in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “So I don’t do as much traveling as I once did.”

The “My Fair Lady” cast is impressive, he said. “We read through the play last night. It’s going to be wonderful.”

Moore appeared in two productions during the 2006 festival. He has noted the changes that have taken place in the performing arts center, including cushioned seats for the auditorium.

“With all the improvements in the theater, I hope it will sell out,” he said of the upcoming show.